The Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Oba Francis Alao has declared that traditional rulers have no power over religious leaders.
Alao made this declaration via a statement made available to journalists on Tuesday, a copy of which was obtained by DAILY POST.
Our correspondent reports that the Olugbon’s statement is coming few days after the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Afolabi Olaoye appointed Habib Ayilara as palace Imam. The appointment has attracted several reactions.
DAILY POST reports that the appointment of the palace Imam is not unconnected with the lingering battle between the traditional ruler and the Chief Imam of Ogbomoso, Sheik Teliat Yunus Ayilara.
Alao has however cautioned the traditional ruler not to interfere in religious matters in the ancient city, insisting that traditional rulers have no power over religious leaders.
The traditional ruler who is a VIce Chairman, Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs said that Sheikh Yunus Ayilara remained the Chief Imam of the city.
He said that as a foremost traditional ruler, he is fully aware that monarchs do not have executive power over Chief Imams or other religious leaders in the state.
He added that the roles of traditional rulers over religious groups, associations and others in their kingdoms are advisory.
“My attention and those of elders and critical stakeholders in Ogbomoso has been drawn to the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)’s criticism of the appointment of Habib Ayilara as the Palace Chief Imam by His Royal Majesty Oba Ghandi Olaoye, the Soun of Ogbomoso, on Friday. MURIC’s concern on the controversy is well noted.
“As a major stakeholder in Ogbomoso Zone, and the Vice Chairman, Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, I can confirm that stakeholders in Ogbomoso land are working hard to ensure that the Muslim community in Ogbomoso is not allowed to be divided. I am assuring MURIC and other Nigerians having concern on the ugly development that we will not sit by and allow promotion of division in Ogbomoso Muslim community.
“Besides, there is a pending suit on the matter in the court of law which means that Sheik Ayilara remains the Chief Imam except the court decides otherwise. I call on those fanning embers of division to desist, otherwise, they will meet their Waterloo.
“As a foremost traditional ruler, I am fully aware that monarchs do not have executive power over Chief Imams or other religious leaders. Our roles over religious groups, associations and others in our kingdoms are advisory. Only the government has the constitutional right to remove a properly installed religious leader, and such decision must follow constitutional process.
“I, the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Olushola Alao, stand with the only Chief Imam Talihat Yunus Olushina Ayilara. Let him continue to perform his duties as the Chief Imam of Ogbomoso because he is the one chosen by the Muslim community.
“MURIC and all Muslim stakeholders have no reason to worry because there is a pending lawsuit on the issue, and stakeholders in Ogbomoso are with the Chief Imam Talihat Yunus Olushina Ayilara”.
Traditional rulers have no power over religious leaders – Olugbon tackles Soun of Ogbomoso